Terry expects 'fight to the death' in Premiership

Chelsea's Didier Drogba celebrates scoring a goal with teammate John Terry (right) during a Premiership match in London, in April. Chelsea captain Terry expects English football's superpowers to fight to the death for the Premier League title as his side prepare to launch their challenge against Hull on Saturday.

Chelsea captain John Terry expects English football's superpowers to fight to the death for the Premier League title as his side prepare to launch their challenge against Hull on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's team have an opportunity to send a message to title rivals Manchester United and Liverpool when they kick-off the new campaign in Saturday's early match at Stamford Bridge.

Terry and company are desperate to end United's three-year reign as champions and bring the crown back to west London for the first time since 2006.

But England defender Terry knows United won't surrender without a struggle and he is relishing a battle royale at the top of the table.

"It will be close, as it has been for the last four or five years. We have been pushing them (United) closely and when we won it, they were pushing us, so it will be a fight to the death," Terry said.

"I am sure at the same time Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City will be pushing and upsetting a few good teams as well."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will have expected bold words from Stamford Bridge and Anfield, but he is convinced his players are hungry to make history as they chase a record fourth successive title.

Ferguson's team, who host newly-promoted Birmingham in their opening match on Sunday, have established a vice-like grip on the title over the last three years, but the close-season departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have left United looking a little more vulnerable than usual.

Yet Ferguson has the motivation of leading United to two significant landmarks this season.

Like Liverpool, Arsenal and Huddersfield before them, United have won three successive titles and a fourth would not only set a new record for prolonged dominance in England but also take United past Liverpool's haul of 18 English league titles.

Premier League's Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez kicks the ball during his team warm-up before a friendly match in Singapore, in July. Benitez's side will get an early examination of their Premiership title credentials at Tottenham on Sunday.

The prospect of passing bitter rivals Liverpool promises to be the story of the season and Ferguson has no doubts United can rise to the challenge.

"We would like to do it. It would be a great achievement obviously, because we all know what a difficult league it is," Ferguson said.

"Under the circumstances, it was a great achievement to win it last year. But we don't have to go for the Club World Cup this time and we don't have to play catch-up in terms of games."

If United do stumble without Ronaldo and Tevez, then Liverpool, who finished second last term, will be expected to take advantage.

But Rafael Benitez's side will get an early examination of their title credentials at Tottenham on Sunday.

Benitez has seen Xabi Alonso depart to Real Madrid, while his replacement Alberto Aquilani won't be fit for several weeks.

As if that wasn't disrupting enough, captain Steven Gerrard is struggling with an ankle injury and first-choice centre-backs Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel are both less than 100 percent fit.

"If we talk about expectations and the title, that's normal because we've done well and have a good squad," Benitez said. "But to win something every single year is difficult because of the quality of the teams."

Arsenal can offer a rebuke to critics who have written them out of the title race when they face Everton at Goodison Park, while Manchester City fans at Blackburn will get a first look at their star-studded line-up after boss Mark Hughes's 100 million pounds spending spree.

"We are chomping at the bit to get going. There is a tangible feeling of anticipation both within in the club and amongst the fans," Hughes said.

"We have the opportunity on Saturday to start on the front foot. We can make a statement."

Fixtures (all 1400GMT unless stated):

Saturday

Aston Villa v Wigan, Blackburn v Man City, Bolton v Sunderland, Chelsea v Hull City (1145GMT), Everton v Arsenal (1630GMT), Portsmouth v Fulham, Stoke v Burnley, Wolverhampton v West Ham

Sunday

Man Utd v Birmingham (1230GMT), Tottenham v Liverpool (1500GMT)

Bayern's van Gaal looks to blood Ribery

Franck Ribery gestures after a training session. Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal says he plans to play star midfielder Ribery in Saturday's clash with Werder Bremen as he integrates the Frenchman back into the squad.

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal says he plans to play star midfielder Franck Ribery in Saturday's clash with Werder Bremen as he integrates the Frenchman back into the squad.

With Real Madrid and Manchester United both reported to still be chasing the 26-year-old midfielder, who played in France's 1-0 World Cup qualier win over the Faroe Islands on Wednesday, van Gaal will play him against Bremen.

Ribery has made a slow start to the season after picking up an ankle injury during pre-season training and van Gaal is still working out his first-choice line-up after less than two months in charge.

"Franck is back now, but I must integrate him in the team," said the Dutchman after Ribery missed last week's 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim on the opening weekend of the season.

"Perhaps he will play 20 minutes against Bremen."

And Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness insists Ribery is going nowhere despite Real and United's interest.

"Let me say this for the 98th time: Franck Ribery is staying at Bayern," he said.

"The subject was closed once and for all last month.

"All the offers that came in after that, or are still to come in, won?t receive a moment?s consideration from us."

With club captain and first-choice midfield enforcer Mark van Bommel sidelined for four weeks with a broken toe, Ukraine star Anatoliy Tymoshchuk has his chance.

"I'm more than certain I can claim a regular place," he said defiantly.

"Up to now, I've not had time to show everyone what I can do. I've had to take in a lot of new things," remarked the Ukraine man, who is about to polish up his German.

Defending champions Wolfsburg are aiming to build on last week's winning start when they travel to Cologne with strikers Grafite and Edin Dzeko showing the same form which netted them more than 50 goals between them last season.

Wolfsburg coach Armin Veh strengthened his attack in midweek by signing former Inter Milan forward Obafemi Martins from English Premier League side Newcastle United.

On Sunday, third-placed Schalke 04 are home to VfL Bochum but the Royal Blues will be without Germany defender Christian Pander for the next few weeks after the 25-year-old had his fifth operation on his left knee on Monday.

Saturday (1330 GMT unless stated)

Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen

VfB Stuttgart v Freiburg

Hamburg v Borussia Dortmund

Bayer Leverkusen v Hoffenheim

Hanover 96 v Mainz 05

Eintracht Frankfurt v Nuremberg

Cologne v VfL Wolfsburg (1430)

Sunday

Borussia M'gladbach v Hertha Berlin (1330)

Schalke 04 v VfL Bochum (1530)

Beckham ready to snub Premiership for Milan return

File photo of David Beckham as midfielder for AC Milan's in March. Beckham has all but ruled out a return to the English Premier League after insisting AC Milan are very much his first choice when he leaves LA Galaxy at the end of the Major League Soccer season.

David Beckham has all but ruled out a return to the English Premier League after insisting AC Milan are very much his first choice when he leaves LA Galaxy at the end of the Major League Soccer season.

Beckham, who won his 113th cap for England during Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Holland in Amsterdam, has been told by his national coach Fabio Capello that he must move back to Europe if he wants to be considered for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Capello's comments led to speculation that Beckham could return to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2003, with Tottenham, Portsmouth and even Chelsea reported to be interested.

But the midfielder, who paid out of his own pocket to subsidise a loan move to Milan last season, was unimpressed when asked if he could play in England again.

"No. I mean I'm never going to stand here and say it will never happen but obviously I enjoyed my time at Milan and they have expressed that they want me to go back," Beckham said after England's draw. "You know AC Milan is one of the best clubs in the world."

The one thing Beckham is well aware of is that Capello has insisted he must be in Europe by Christmas if he wants to go to South Africa.

"I read that a couple of days ago but it's old news," Beckham said. "I've always known that, everyone has known that and it's been a fact for a long time now.

"It's important I'm playing in a European league leading up to the World Cup.

"I'll concentrate on the rest of the MLS season with the Galaxy and then after that's finished in a few months I'll make plans.

"I'm 95 or 99 percent sure they will happen. So, like I said, it's important I concentrate on the season with the Galaxy and once that's over there will be a decision made by myself and the club I'm going to."

David Beckham leaves the Los Angeles Galaxy training pitch with his children in July after practice with the Galaxy. Beckham's loyalty to England has not gone down well in the US, where he was booed by Galaxy fans on his return to the Major League Soccer in July.

Beckham's loyalty to England has gone down less well in the States where he was booed by Galaxy fans on his return to the MLS.

But his recent performances on the field have helped the team to second in the table and a possible play-off place.

"Things are going well," Beckham added. "That's why I want to concentrate on Galaxy now and finish the season on a high."

Things are also going well with England after they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in the Amsterdam Arena.

Two terrible mistakes from Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry, who both gave the ball away in key areas, allowed Holland to score twice in the first half through Dirk Kuyt and Rafael van der Vaart.

But a second-half revival from Capello's side saw substitute Jermain Defoe score twice and fellow replacements Carlton Cole and James Milner impress, proving England's strength in depth.

Beckham, who hopes to play against Croatia next month in a match at Wembley that could see England qualify for the World Cup Finals, said: "We've got a whole squad of exciting young players, not just 11. We?ve got a whole host of players who can come on and make a difference.

"Jermain in training was on fire, scoring goals for fun, and we know if he got a chance he would score.

"With Carlton coming on they both looked a threat and James Milner on the left creating goals. It's what you want to see and what England fans want to see - young players coming on and making a difference.

"The competition in the squad is growing and hopefully once we qualify that will continue because you want competition, it's what makes great teams."

Spain edge Macedonians in fightback victory

Spain's David Villa (R) vies for the ball with Macedonia's Filip Despotovski (L) during an international friendly football match in Skopje. Spain won 3-2.

European champions Spain bagged three goals inside five second-half minutes on Wednesday to come from two goals down to beat Macedonia 3-2 at Skopje in a friendly international.

Goran Pandev had seemingly put the hosts on the way to a shock success in a frenetic opening dominated by the eastern Europeans.

The Lazio hitman took a pass from Ilco Naumoski to fire home the opener on seven minutes and then doubled the advantage with a fine left-footed solo effort just after the half-hour mark.

But the Spanish regrouped after their horrendous opening phase and the second half was an entirely different affair.

Six minutes after the restart Liverpool striker Fernando Torres reduced the deficit with a header from a Xavi pass and after 54 minutes Barcelona's former Manchester United man Gerard Pique levelled the encounter from inside the box.

Two minutes later it was 3-2 to the visitors, Torres' clubmate Albert Riera netting a left-footer to get on the scoresheet as both Liverpool stars had done in their pre-season friendly canter in Singapore last month.

The Spaniards turned out before kickoff wearing shirts emblazoned with the number 21 of Espanyol captain and defender Daniel Jarque, who died last week of heart failure while on a pre-season tour of Italy.

Cahill brace shows Trapattoni where Irish weakness lies

Australia's Tim Cahill scores a goal against the Republic of Ireland during an international friendly football match at Thormond Park in Limerick, Ireland. Australia won 3-0.

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill's brace shortly before half time set Australia up for a comprehensive 3-0 friendly victory over the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.

Cahill only played 45 minutes but that was enough to score two goals and bring his tally for Australia to 18 goals in 34 games.

A miserable night for Ireland was compounded when David Carney's shot arrowed into the top left hand corner of the net from all of 30 yards in injury time at the end of the second half.

With Australia missing captain Lucas Neill and defensive shield Vince Grella they were expected to be weaker at the back but instead it was the hosts' slack defending which decided the contest and will concern Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in three weeks' time.

In the 38th minute, Ireland left a two-versus two at the back which Cahill took advantage of, feeding Scott McDonald down the inside right channel. The Celtic striker passed back to the Everton midfielder 20 yards out and his low left-footed strike wrong-footed Given to put his side in front.

Then a minute before the interval, Aiden McGeady lazily looked to take a ball in his stride on the left wing but was beaten to it by Rhys Williams who raced into the box and turned Kilbane.

He fired a shot and Given could only parry the ball back into the danger area where Cahill lay in wait to power home.

The nearest Ireland came to getting on the scoresheet was when substitute Keith Andrews' low 88th minute strike from the edge of the area came back off Schwarzer's right post.

Though 2-0 was flattering enough at the break, it could have been an even greater lead for the visitors had Harry Kewell not headed over Mark Bresciano's free kick at the back post, after which the Galatasaray man pleaded for a penalty for Damian Duff pulling his shirt.

Australia's Daivd Carney (2nd R) celebrates with his teammates after scoring aganist the Republic of Ireland during an International friendly football match at Thormond Park in Limerick, Ireland. Australia won 3-0.

Prior to Cahill's first strike, the game was an even affair with McGeady the best player on view. Twice midway through the half he created openings moving inside from the left flank to set up Irish chances.

A measured cross-field ball enabled Duff on the right wing to cut inside the area onto his left foot, but Carney deflected his effort wide.

Then a neat pass into the box found Robbie Keane whose drop of the shoulder had Patrick Kisnorbo heading back to Leeds United but Mark Schwarzer got down to save well.

Earlier Kisnorbo's header from a corner was saved and held well at full stretch by Given, denying the prowling McDonald the opportunity to score his first Australia goal.

Ireland created few chances in the second half with Stephen Hunt's left-footed effort, after Keane's neat backheel, which skewed wide summing up a very disappointing first international football game for the home fans at Thomond Park.

Supersub Defoe's double vindicates Capello

England's Ashley Young (L) tussles with Holland's Rafael van der Vaart (R) during an international friendly World Cup match.

England striker Jermain Defoe vindicated Fabio Capello's decision to snub Michael Owen by scoring twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Holland in Wednesday's friendly.

Capello's team were heading for only a third defeat in 16 games under Capello as Dirk Kuyt and Rafael van der Vaart punished careless mistakes from Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry to give the Dutch a two-goal lead at half-time at the Amsterdam Arena.

But Capello sent on Defoe at the interval and he showed why the England coach believes the Tottenham star is currently a better option than Owen by producing two clinical finishes.

Defoe's goals may have consigned Manchester United forward Owen to a further period in international exile, but, more significantly, they maintained the feelgood factor around the England camp at the start of a season they hope will end with World Cup glory in South Africa.

England still need to cut out the kind of sloppy errors that led to Holland's goals, but their determined fightback showed that Capello has managed to instill a more steely attitude into a squad that was drained of belief before he took charge.

With Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard sidelined with a groin injury, Aston Villa's Ashley Young was handed a first start on the left, while David Beckham won his 113th England cap as Capello opted not to risk Theo Walcott, who was unable to train on Tuesday.

Although Capello has led England to seven successive World Cup qualifying wins, his record in friendlies has been more mixed, with victory in Germany offset by chastening defeats to France and Spain.

Yet the Italian believes regular exposure to the best international teams is the only way to make his squad aware of the level they have to reach to win a World Cup.

Holland were unquestionably another good test. Bert van Marwijk's team were the first European nation to qualify for next year's World Cup after reeling off seven wins.

The Dutch started sharply enough but they didn't need to break sweat to take the lead as Ferdinand's howler laid on the opening goal in the 10th minute.

England's Ashley Cole (L) competes for the ball with Holland's John Heitinga (R) during an international friendly World Cup in Amsterdam. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

It was a catalogue of errors from start to finish. Frank Lampard could have kicked long rather than passing to Ferdinand on the edge of his own penalty area, but the Manchester United defender still had time to deal with the situation.

Instead he knocked a suicidal backpass to goalkeeper Robert Green and Liverpool forward Kuyt nipped in, rounded the keeper and shot home despite John Terry's attempt to clear off the line.

Kuyt went close to doubling Holland's lead when he met van der Vaart's deep free-kick with a header that Green scrambled away.

Ferdinand was having one of those days when his laidback style looks careless rather than composed and another wayward pass allowed Arjen Robben a sight of goal.

That lazy attitude seemed to seep through the rest of the team and, in the 37th minute, Barry took a pass from Ferdinand and played the ball back towards Terry without looking.

Robben stole possession and fired in a low shot. Green saved with his legs but Van der Vaart was on hand to slot into the empty net.

Terry revealed this week that Capello is not adverse to delivering a ferocious half-time team talk if England's performance falls below the Italian's exacting standards.

On the evidence of the first half here, Capello must have shattered a few egos at the interval.

If so, it had the desired effect.

In the 49th minute, Lampard flicked a pass over the top to half-time substitute Defoe, who out-paced the Dutch defence and beat Maarten Stekelenburg via a post.

James Milner, on for his England debut, almost set up an equaliser with his first touch as a perfect cross from the Aston Villa winger was headed over by Defoe.

Milner was the provider as England completed a stirring a comeback in the 77th minute. He whipped in a teasing low cross from the left and Defoe timed his run to slide home from close-range.

Bednar cleared to play after ban backdated

West Brom's Czech striker Roman Bednar, pictured in January 2009, has been cleared to return to first-team action next week after being handed a back-dated three-month ban after allegations that he bought recreational drugs.

West Brom's Czech striker Roman Bednar has been cleared to return to first-team action next week after being handed a back-dated three-month ban after allegations that he bought recreational drugs.

The 26-year-old was suspended by the club on May 17 after stories appeared in a national newspaper suggesting that he had bought cannabis and cocaine.

He attended an FA disciplinary hearing in Derby on Wednesday and was handed a three-month ban after admitting charges of "possession and use of a prohibited substance".

His ban has been back-dated to the day which he was suspended by the Baggies, and means he is able to return from Monday - although the club insist they will be conducting an internal investigation this week to decide what sanctions they will take against the former Hearts man.

Bednar joined West Brom from Scottish side Hearts in August 2007, initially on loan before the deal was made permanent at a cost of 2.3million pounds last summer.

The striker was a revelation in his first season at The Hawthorns, finding the net 17 times in 22 starts as West Brom won promotion to the Premier League.

Bednar signed for Hearts from Czech club Mlada Boleslav in July 2005.

West Brom were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Cattermole agrees Sunderland move

Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole, pictured in May 2009, has agreed a six-million-pound (9.9 million dollar) move to Premier League rivals Sunderland.

Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole has agreed a six-million-pound (9.9 million dollar) move to Premier League rivals Sunderland.

The 21-year-old agreed a four-year deal and will make his debut in Saturday's Premier League opener against Bolton.

The former Middlesbrough youth team player, signed by former Latics boss Steve Bruce for Wigan in a 3.5-million-pound deal in July 2008, becomes Sunderland's fifth signing of the summer after Darren Bent, Lorik Cana, Fraizer Campbell and Paulo Da Silva.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said he was disappointed to lose the services of the England Under-21 international.

"The fee is a good one," said Martinez. "It is far more than the club paid for him last year and the third-highest in Wigan Athletic history.

"The initial offer from Sunderland was unacceptable as we said at the time, but they have now matched our valuation.

"The speculation about Lee has refused to go away over the last few weeks and this has been very unsettling for him and for our players.

"It became clear over the past days having spoken to Lee that he wanted to leave and it is very disruptive to the group when a player is clearly unhappy.

"My number one priority has to be the good of the club and it left me with a decision to make, I therefore agreed to the move for the good of the players we have at the club and who want to remain with us and help us progress to the next level."

Cattermole made 69 first-team appearances for Middlesbrough and featured in 33 Premier League games in his single season at Wigan.

Venlo's Honda says Liverpool interested in him

VVV Venlo and Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda said Tuesday that Liverpool was interested in him.

"I was told before the match that a scout from Liverpool had come," Honda said on his website, two days after scoring twice in promoted Venlo's 2-2 draw with ADO Den Haag at home in the Dutch first division.

The 23-year-old Japanese, who won the MVP award in the second division last season, has already scored three goals in the first two games of the new season.

Japanese media have carried Dutch and English press reports quoting VVV Venlo chairman Hai Berden as saying that several top European clubs have expressed an interest in signing Honda.

"A number of top clubs are interested in Honda. Some of them are participating in the Champions League this year," Berden said, adding two of England's top five clubs were among them.

Honda has scored 21 goals in 52 games for Venlo since joining the club in January last year after four seasons with J-League Nagoya Grampus.

Known for his physical toughness and free-kick skills, Honda has also scored one goal in six games for Japan since making his international debut in June 2008 during World Cup qualifying.

"We hear that Liverpool scouts have been following Honda since last season while top Dutch clubs also watched him," Taishi Takahatake, head of Honda's management firm Balance Inc., told AFP.

"But there has been no formal offer. His Dutch agent is in charge of any deal and we will wait and see until the transfer window closes at the end of the month," he said.

Hull sign US teenager Altidore on loan

Jozy Altidore, the teenage striker who played a major part in the United States' successful Confederations Cup campaign, is joining Hull on a one-year loan deal from Villarreal.

The deal was clinched Tuesday after Hull succeeded in gaining a work permit for the 19-year-old who produced the opener in the USA's shock 2-0 Confed Cup semi-final win over Spain in South Africa in June.

In the final itself in Johannesburg the USA led Brazil by two goals to nil at half-time only to go on to lose 3-2.

Altidore joined Villarreal a year ago after making his mark in Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls.

His deal includes an option for Hull to make the move permanent next summer.

"I'm very excited about the prospect of playing for Hull City," he told the club's official website.

"Hull City is a good club, up and coming, and to have the opportunity to play for them in the Premier League is a great thing.

"I'm sure it will take a little while to get used to being here, but hopefully I will be a success here.

"I think of myself as quite a physical player but I can be graceful too. I like having the ball at my feet and I like running at people.

"I'm still very young and there are a lot of things I still need to find out about myself in terms of playing. Hopefully that will come.

"I'm a huge follower of the English Premier League. Most people think this is the best league in the world and I am no different.

"There are so many great players here. Anybody who is anybody would like to get the chance to play here and experience it."

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Spurs wait on Woodgate after groin surgery

Tottenham centre-back Jonathan Woodgate is back at the London club to start his recovery programme after groin surgery in Germany.

"Jonathan Woodgate underwent minor surgery on the groin problem that has prevented his participation in our pre-season preparations," a statement from Spurs read on Tuesday.

"Jonathan will now begin a rehabilitation programme with our physios."

Tottenham have set the former Real Madrid player specific targets to achieve before moving on to his next stage of recovery, meaning they are not putting a time frame on his return at this point.

Manager Harry Redknapp is short on cover at the back because Michael Dawson is also out, with an Achilles injury.

Ledley King should be able to face Liverpool on Sunday in the first weekend of the Premier League but is unable to play matches in quick succession.

Sebastien Bassong has been brought in from Newcastle to bolster the defence.

Redknapp has plenty of options in attack, however - with Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko fighting for two places.

"I've played with Roman, Robbie and Jermain in training - and they are all fantastic players," said Crouch.

"We've four strikers battling it out for two spots. That is healthy competition and has to be good for the club."

Moyes worried by lack of signings

Everton manager David Moyes, seen here in April 2009, admitted Monday he was worried by the club's failure to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

Everton manager David Moyes admitted Monday he was worried by the club's failure to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

Moyes knows he is in a race against time to bring in new players ahead of the club's Europa League play-off tie against Czech side Sigma Olomouc later this month.

"We are not ready as far as the squad goes, we want more players in," said Moyes, who has rejected bids for Joleon Lescott and Louis Saha.

"We let a few go in the summer - Andy van der Meyde, Lars Jacobson, Nuno Valente - and we have not replaced any of those players yet.

"If we want a run in Europe we need more players quickly. The search goes on, it has never stopped all summer and I am feeling a bit demented with it all now!

"Apart from a couple of clubs, the transfer activity around the country has been limited. But for us, to have finished fifth and reached a cup final, to improve on that costs a lot of money.

"But we don't have that money. So trying to find players who are cheap, don't want much wages and will come here to improve us, well, it is not easy."

So far, Moyes has only brought in Brazilian striker Jo on loan from Manchester City and a few untried youngsters who will be in the reserve squad.

And he remains hopeful of a positive outcome in his bid for Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos.

Moyes said: "We have a good team but what we do not have is back-up, and that is what we are trying to get.

"The bid for Senderos has been with Arsenal for a while now, and maybe it is getting closer."

English Premier League guide

Updated team by team guide to the new English Premier League season which kicks-off on August 15. All transfer fees are listed in pounds:

MANCHESTER UNITED

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Last season: Premier League champions, Champions League runners-up, FA Cup semi-finals, League Cup winners, FIFA Club World Cup winners

In: Antonio Valencia (Wigan) 16m, Gabriel Obertan (Bordeaux) 3m, Michael Owen (Newcastle) free

Out: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 80m, Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland) 3.5m, Richard Eckersley (Burnley) undisclosed, Lee Martin (Ipswich) undisclosed, Manucho (Real Valladolid) undisclosed, Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) loan expired, Rodrigo Possebon (Sporting Braga) season-loan

Outlook: Losing one world-class player would have been enough to raise doubts about United's ability to win a record fourth consecutive Premier League title, but when Carlos Tevez followed Cristiano Ronaldo through the Old Trafford exit door the alarm bells really started ringing.

Ronaldo's long-anticipated move to Real Madrid at least brought the consolation of a world record transfer fee. It was the defection of cult hero Tevez to despised neighbours Manchester City which especially pained the United faithful.

The Stretford End angst was enhanced by the knowledge that Ronaldo and Tevez scored more than 100 goals between them over the last two seasons.

Yet United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who made a surprise swoop for Michael Owen to replace Tevez, has coped with the departures of stars like Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy in the past and the motivation of passing Liverpool's record of 18 league titles will drive him on.

LIVERPOOL

Manager: Rafael Benitez

Last season: Premier League runners-up, Champions League quarter-finals, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup 4th rnd

In: Alberto Aquilani (Roma) 20m, Glen Johnson (Portsmouth) 17.5m, Aaron King (Rushden and Diamonds) undisclosed, Chris Mavinga (Paris Saint Germain), undisclosed

Out: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) 30m, Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid) 4m, Paul Anderson (Nottingham Forest) 250,000, Jack Hobbs (Leicester) undisclosed, Sebastian Leto (Panathinaikos) undisclosed, Jermaine Pennant (Real Zaragoza) free, Sami Hyypia (Bayer Leverkusen) free, Astrit Ajdarevic (Leicester) free

Outlook: A powerful sense of unfinished business has infused every utterance from Liverpool during a frustrating close season for Rafa Benitez's team.

Allowing bitter rivals Manchester United to snatch the Premier League title from their grasp has left Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and company more desperate than ever to end the club's 19-year wait to be crowned kings of English football.

The Reds have nothing to fear from United after beating the champions twice last season, including a stunning 4-1 rout at Old Trafford, and, with United weakened by key departures, Benitez knows they have to seize the moment.

He invested most of his transfer budget on Portsmouth's Glen Johnson and Roma's Alberto Aquilani, who replaces Xabi Alonso after the midfielder's departure to Real Madrid.

CHELSEA

Manager: Carlo Ancelotti

Last season: 3rd in Premier League, Champions League semi-finals, FA Cup winners, League Cup 4th rnd

In: Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow) 18m, Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City) undisclosed, Ross Turnbull (Middlesbrough) free

Out: Ben Sahar (Espanyol) undisclosed, Scott Sinclair (Wigan) season-loan, Franco Di Santo (Blackburn) six-month loan, Lee Sawyer (Southend) six month-loan, Jimmy Smith (Leyton Orient) free

Outlook: Manchester City's determined pursuit of John Terry cast a shadow over the early days of Carlo Ancelotti's reign, but the defender's decision to stay could herald a successful season in west London.

City made two massive offers for Terry before Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich persuaded the England captain to stay by personally agreeing to open talks over an improved contract.

Ancelotti, who replaced popular interim manager Guus Hiddink in July, arrives from AC Milan boasting a CV that includes two Champions League triumphs.

His new squad and supporters grew to love Hiddink's down to earth demeanour and Ancelotti has a similar no-frills style which looks set to produce equally good results.

ARSENAL

Manager: Arsene Wenger

Last season: 4th in Premier League, Champions League semi-finals, FA Cup semi-finals, League Cup quarter-finals

In: Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax) undisclosed

Out: Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City) 25m, Kolo Toure (Manchester City) 16m, Amaury Bischoff (released), Rui Fonte (released)

Outlook: Rarely has a star player left Arsenal to such little dissent as Emmanuel Adebayor, but the Togo striker's move to Manchester City has left a substantial hole in the Gunners' armoury.

Whereas Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole, Alexander Hleb and others departed north London to a soundtrack of grumbling from frustrated fans, Adebayor won't be missed by many at the Emirates Stadium after a series of lacklustre displays last season.

Yet Adebayor was a formidable force at his best and his most likely replacements in the starting line-up - Croatia forward Eduardo and England's Theo Walcott - are both are worryingly fragile and prone to lengthy spells on the sidelines.

It is imperative that Wenger finds the answer quickly. After four years without a trophy, the Frenchman came under fire from fans for the first time last season and the criticism will only get stronger if Arsenal make another spluttering start.

EVERTON

Manager: David Moyes

Last season: 5th in Premier League, FA Cup runners-up, League Cup 3rd rnd, UEFA Cup 1st rnd

In: Luke Garbutt (Leeds) undisclosed), Shkodran Mustafi (Hamburg) undisclosed), Anton Peterlin (free agent), Jo (Manchester City) season-loan

Out: Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn) free, John Ruddy (Motherwell) six-month loan, Nuno Valente (released), Andy van der Meyde (released)

Outlook: David Moyes believes last season's FA Cup final defeat against Chelsea was a valuable experience on the journey towards the Premier League's top four.

Whether Everton have absorbed the lessons of Chelsea's ruthless Wembley victory remains to be seen because the Toffees are in danger of standing still while other leapfrog them in the race for those precious Champions League places.

With Arsenal seemingly on a downward spiral, Everton could be one or two big signings away from making the breakthrough, but Moyes has been frustrated by the club's parsimonious ways.

He must be growing tired of shopping in the bargain basement for a series of untried prospects and, to add insult to injury, Manchester City have made up ground on the top four with a lavish spending spree, with Everton defender Joleon Lescott next in their sights.

ASTON VILLA

Manager: Martin O'Neill

Last season: 6th in Premier League, FA Cup 5th rnd, League Cup 3rd rnd, UEFA Cup last 32

In: Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough) 12m, Fabian Delph (Leeds) 8m, Habib Beye (Newcastle) undisclosed

Out: Gareth Barry (Manchester City) 12m, Zat Knight (Bolton) undisclosed, Stuart Taylor (Manchester City) undisclosed, Martin Laursen (retired)

Outlook: After a season that promised so much but ultimately delivered so little, Villa boss Martin O'Neill will have to work wonders to keep his team on an upwards curve.

With the home stretch in sight, Villa were firmly established in the top four and could have gone eight points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal with a win over Stoke.

Instead O'Neill's team conceded two late goals to draw. They never recovered and eventually slumped so badly that they finished sixth.

The close-season has reflected the atmosphere of despondency that hung heavily over Villa Park in May. Gareth Barry quickly bolted for Manchester City, although the signings of England winger Stewart Downing and Leeds teenager Fabian Delph showed O'Neill's intent to go for the top four again.

FULHAM

Manager: Roy Hodgson

Last season: 7th in Premier League, FA Cup quarter-finals, League Cup 3rd rnd

In: Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom) undisclosed, Stephen Kelly (Birmingham) free

Out: Collins John (released), Moritz Volz (released)

Outlook: After exceeding all expectations by leading Fulham into the Europa League, Cottagers manager Roy Hodgson has to find a way to emulate his club's most successful Premier League campaign.

Hodgson will never earn the headlines that his colleagues at more glamourous English teams garner on a regular basis, but in his methodical way the former Inter Milan coach has fashioned one of the best value for money squads in the top flight.

For just a minimal outlay in the transfer market, Hodgson built a team capable of beating Manchester United and Arsenal and drawing with Liverpool and Chelsea.

It will hard to do the same again as Fulham are now less of an unknown quantity but Hodgson is determined to build on that success.

TOTTENHAM

Manager: Harry Redknapp

Last season: 8th in Premier League, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup runners-up, UEFA Cup last 32

In: Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker (Sheffield United) joint 10m fee, Peter Crouch (Portsmouth) 9m, Sebastien Bassong (Newcastle) 8m

Out: Darren Bent (Sunderland) 10m, Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest) 1.75m, Didier Zokora (Sevilla) undisclosed, Danny Hutchins (Yeovil) undisclosed, Ben Alnwick (Norwich) three-month loan, David Hutton (released), Ricardo Rocha (released), Simon Dawkins (released), Gilberto (released)

Outlook: Harry Redknapp can finally take aim at the Premier League's big guns after making a perfect start to his dream job.

Redknapp, who has always been desperate to manage one of the game's traditional powers, found a club in crisis when he took charge at White Hart Lane early last season, but quickly guided Spurs away from the relegation zone and only narrowly missed out on a European place.

Signing the likes of Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe and Wilson Palacios in the January transfer window greatly improved Redknapp's squad, but one of the game's shrewdest transfer operators is always on the look-out for another deal.

He swooped for Sheffield United's young full-backs Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker, then signed Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch and sold Darren Bent to Sunderland.

WEST HAM

Manager: Gianfranco Zola

Last season: 9th in Premier League, FA Cup 5th rnd, League Cup 3rd rnd

In: Luis Jimenez (Inter Milan) season-loan, Peter Kurucz (Ujpest) undisclosed, Jack Lampe (Harlow Town) undisclosed, Frank Nouble (Chelsea) undisclosed, Fabio Daprela (Grasshoppers) undisclosed

Out: Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) free, Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace) season-loan, Walter Lopez (released), Lucas Neill (released), Kyel Reid released), Tony Stokes (released), Diego Tristan (released), Jimmy Walker (released)

Outlook: Gianfranco Zola performed a miracle to keep West Ham in mid-table safety despite battling against a backdrop of financial uncertainty last season and the Italian plans to work more magic this term.

Zola's first managerial role looked to have turned into a poisoned chalice when the Hammers' Icelandic owners were badly affected by the global credit crunch.

Yet the former Chelsea star proved quite the alchemist as he produced an eye-catching and winning team from the slenderest materials.

Zola's hopes of enduring success in east London lie with the club's latest crop of thrusting youngsters, with Jack Collison and James Tomkins to the fore, and a self-styled 'magician' from Chile - Luis Jimenez, who has joined on loan from Inter Milan.

MANCHESTER CITY

Manager: Mark Hughes

Last season: 10th in Premier League, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup 2nd rnd, UEFA Cup quarter-finals

In: Carlos Tevez (Manchester United) 25m, Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal) 25m, Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn) 17m, Kolo Toure (Arsenal) 16m, Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) 12m), Nils Zander (Schalke) undisclosed, Stuart Taylor (Aston Villa) undisclosed

Out: Elano (Galatasaray) 8m, Ched Evans (Sheffield Utd) 3m, Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea) undisclosed, Gelson Fernandes (St Etienne) undisclosed, Jo (Everton) season-loan, Joe Hart (Birmingham) season-loan, Valeri Bojinov (Parma) season-loan, Felipe Caicedo (Sporting Lisbon) season-loan, Michael Ball (released), Glauber Berti (released), Dietmar Hamann (released), Danny Mills (retired), Darius Vassell (released)

Outlook: For the first time in over 30 years, Manchester City head into a new season as the talk of the town thanks to a spending spree which threatens to catapult them into the Premier League's elite.

After decades in the shadow of Manchester United, it is City's turn in the limelight. The club's Abu Dhabi-based backers have handed manager Mark Hughes a seemingly bottomless transfer fund, which has already helped snatch Carlos Tevez from United's clutches.

Add big-money swoops for Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz, Kolo Toure and Gareth Barry and a prolonged chase for Everton defender Joleon Lescott and it becomes clear that City's owners want to take the express route to the top.

Whether such a frenzy of transfer activity will produce a cohesive unit come the opening day of the season remains to be seen and doubts persist over Hughes's hording of so many strikers when the defence has been a bigger problem. Whatever happens, City's time in the shadows is well and truly over.

WIGAN

Manager: Roberto Martinez

Last season: 11th in Premier League, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup 4th rnd

In: Jason Scotland (Swansea) 2m, Jordi Gomez (Espanyol) undisclosed, Hendry Thomas (Deportivo Olimpia) undisclosed, James McCarthy (Hamilton) undisclosed, Scott Sinclair (Chelsea), season-loan

Out: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) 16m

Outlook: Roberto Martinez arrives at Wigan with impressive credentials after leading Swansea from the depths of League One to the brink of the Premier League in just two seasons.

The Spaniard's reign at the Championship club persuaded Wigan chairman Dave Whelan to turn to the former Latics player when Steve Bruce quit to take over at Sunderland.

But Martinez won't find it easy to replicate Bruce's success. Bruce only left because of Wigan's failure to hold onto their best players and Antonio Valencia's July move to Manchester United continued the trend.

Martinez has so far focused on signing players he worked with at Swansea, with powerful striker Jason Scotland and Spanish playmaker Jordi Gomez following their old boss to the DW Stadium.

STOKE

Manager: Tony Pulis

Last season: 12th in Premier League, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup quarter-finals

In: Dean Whitehead (Sunderland) 3m, Matthew Lund (Crewe) free, Ben Marshall (Crewe) free

Out: Seyi Olofinjana (Hull) 3m, Vincent Pericard (released)

Outlook: Just 12 months after being written off as relegation certainties, Stoke are looking forward to their second season in the Premier League.

Tony Pulis's side defied the odds to finish well clear of the bottom three and it was no more than they deserved.

Superbly organised by Pulis, Stoke's unfashionable collection of journeymen were able to turn the Britannia Stadium into a fortress, which Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa, amongst others, were unable to breach.

Now they have to avoid falling victim to the second season syndrome that has often found teams happy to rest on their laurels after peforming above expectations.

BOLTON

Manager: Gary Megson

Last season: 13th in Premier League, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup 2nd rnd

In: Zat Knight (Aston Villa) undisclosed, Sam Ricketts (Hull) undisclosed, Sean Davis (Portsmouth) free, Paul Robinson (West Brom) season-loan

Out: Blerim Dzemaili (Torino) undisclosed

Outlook: Gary Megson may never emulate the hero status enjoyed by Sam Allardyce, but the Bolton boss is beginning to make an equally impressive impact at the Reebok Stadium.

Megson's dour personality and safety-first tactics have earned criticism from Bolton fans, yet he has put pride to one side and responded by leading Wanderers to safety two years in a row.

Now he needs to lift Bolton to the top ten finishes enjoyed during Allardyce's reign to continue the comparison.

Solid signings like Sean Davis and Zat Knight should guarantee Megson remains a Premier League boss, but he needs more quality up front to make the next step forward.

PORTSMOUTH

Manager: Paul Hart

Last season: 14th in Premier League, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup 3rd rnd, UEFA Cup group stage

In: Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn) free, Steve Finnan (Espanyol) free, Frederic Piquionne (Lyon) season-loan, Antti Niemi (unattached) free

Out: Glen Johnson (Liverpool) 17.5m, Peter Crouch (Tottenham) 9m, Djimi Traore (Monaco) undisclosed, Sean Davis (Bolton) free, Lauren (released), Glen Little (released), Noe Pamarot (released), Jerome Thomas (released)

Outlook: Following a tumultuous close-season at Fratton Park, Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has to make up for lost time as he tries to build on last season's rescue act.

By the time Hart was finally handed the job on a permanent basis in mid-July following the takeover by Arab tycoon Sulaiman Al-Fahim, Portsmouth were in danger of losing several key players.

Glen Johnson had already left for Liverpool, while Peter Crouch joined Tottenham. French defender Sylvain Distin was also the target of several clubs, while signings like South Africa's Aaron Mokoena and Steve Finnan hardly set pulses racing.

Hart was rightly rewarded for hauling Portsmouth to safety after Tony Adams' disastrous reign but he faces another fight for survival this season.

BLACKBURN

Manager: Sam Allardyce

Last season: 15th in Premier League, FA Cup 5th rnd, League Cup quarter-finals

In: Nikos Giannakopoulos (Asteras Tripolis) 52,000, Gael Givet (Marseille) undisclosed), Steven N'Zonzi (Amiens SC) undisclosed, Lars Jacobsen (Everton) free, Elrio van Heerden (Club Brugge) free, Franco Di Santo (Chelsea) season-loan

Out: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City) 17m, Matt Derbyshire (Olympiakos) undisclosed, Bjorn Bussmann (1860 Munich) undisclosed, Keith Tracey (Sheffield Utd) six-month loan, Andreas Arestidou (Shrewsbury) free, Tony Kane (Carlisle) free, Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth) free, Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven) free, Tugay (released)

Outlook: Blackburn fans should have spent the close-season thanking their lucky stars that Newcastle treated Sam Allardyce with such disdain.

Allardyce returned to management in December almost a year after being sacked by Newcastle and he was determined to prove a point to his former employers.

He succeeded in some style as Rovers climbed out of the relegation zone and Newcastle eventually crashed into the Championship.

Allardyce has lost star striker Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City, but the Paraguayan was missing for much of the relegation run-in and Rovers, bolstered by their manager's passion, will be looking upwards this year.

SUNDERLAND

Manager: Steve Bruce

Last season: 16th in Premier League, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup 4th rnd

In: Darren Bent (Tottenham) 10m, Lorik Cana (Marseille) 5m, Fraizer Campbell (Manchester United) 3.5m, Paulo da Silva (Toluca) undisclosed

Out: Michael Chopra (Cardiff) 4m, Dean Whitehead (Stoke) 3m, Greg Halford (Wolverhampton) undisclosed, Jack Colback (Ipswich) six-month loan, Peter Hartley (released), Niall McArdle (released), Arnau Riera (released), Darren Ward (retired), Dwight Yorke (released), Nick Colgan (released), David Connolly (released)

Outlook: Steve Bruce is finally back in his native north-east England but not with the club he always believed he was destined to manage.

While Bruce often hankered after the chance to take charge at Newcastle, his boyhood club's relegation to the Championship last season made that job much less attractive.

So instead, with Wigan struggling to hold onto their best players, Bruce opted to leave the DW Stadium and head to Sunderland during the close-season for his biggest challenge yet.

The Black Cats' huge fanbase encourages the club to dream of great achievements and the club record deal for Darren Bent shows their ambition, but the reality is staying in the top-flight will be a decent achievement.

HULL

Manager: Phil Brown

Last season: 17th in Premier League, FA Cup quarter-finals, League Cup 2nd rnd

In: Seyi Olofinjana (Stoke) 3m, Steven Mouyokolo (Boulogne) undisclosed, Jozy Altidore (Villarreal) season-loan

Out: Sam Ricketts (Bolton) undisclosed, Wayne Brown (Leicester) undisclosed, John Welsh (Tranmere) free, Dean Windass (Darlington) free, Michael Bridges (released), Ryan France (released)

Outlook: As Phil Brown rode off into the sunset after Hull's narrow escape from relegation he must have reflected on the gamble that backfired.

At the half-way point of last season, Hull were on course for a remarkable debut in the Premier League, but the Tigers lost their bite after Brown's very public dressing-down of his players when they trailed 4-0 at half-time at Manchester City.

Suddenly morale dipped and Brown's men just avoided relegation on the last day despite winning only one of their last 19 matches.

Brown, who spent some of the close-season riding around France on his motorbike, should take a more low-key approach to team-talks this season as Hull try to recapture the form that saw them rock England's top teams for six months.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Manager: Mick McCarthy

Last season: Championship winners, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup 2nd rnd

In: Kevin Doyle (Reading) 6.5m, Andrew Surman (Southampton) 1.2m, Greg Halford (Sunderland) undisclosed, Nenad Milijas (Red Star Belgrade) undisclosed, Ronald Zubar (Marseille) undisclosed, Marcus Hahnemann (Reading) free)

Out: Stephen Gleeson (Milton Keynes Dons) undisclosed, Darren Potter (Sheffield Wednesday) undisclosed

Outlook: "I'll spend money on a load of over-priced players, win two of the first 15 matches and get sacked by Christmas".

If Mick McCarthy's verdict on the lot of a Premier League manager seems a little brutal, the Wolves boss can be forgiven for he has tasted the harsh end of life among the elite.

During his reign at Sunderland, McCarthy won promotion to the Premier League in 2005, only to be sacked less than a year later because he hadn't been able to build on that achievement immediately.

He should be given more time at Molineux and bolstering his talented young team with Ireland striker Kevin Doyle means Wolves at least have a chance of staying up.

BIRMINGHAM

Manager: Alex McLeish

Last season: Championship runners-up, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup 2nd rnd

In: Christian Benitez (Santos Laguna) 7.7m, Roger Johnson (Cardiff) 5m, Barry Ferguson (Rangers) 1.25m, Scott Dann (Coventry) undisclosed, Giovanny Espinoza (Barcelona Sporting Club) undisclosed, Lee Bowyer (West Ham) free, Joe Hart (Manchester City) season-loan

Out: Stephen Kelly (Fulham) free, Radhi Jaidi (released), Mehdi Nafti (released) Krystian Pearce (Peterborough) season-loan

Outlook: Few managers can have greeted promotion to the Premier League with more relief than Alex McLeish.

The former Scotland coach spent most of last season under intense pressure from Birmingham's owners and fans after a spluttering Championship campaign, but he finally delivered a top two finish with victory at Reading on the final day.

With the demands for Premier League football satisfied, McLeish has started to spend big in an attempt to avoid yet another short stay in the top-flight.

His swoops for Scott Dann and Roger Johnson, two defenders who excelled in the Championship, adds youth to his aging defence, while the seven million pound move for Ecuador striker Christian Benitez looks like a boom or bust gamble.

BURNLEY

Manager: Owen Coyle

Last season: 5th in Championship (promoted via play-offs), FA Cup 5th rnd, League Cup semi-finals

In: Steven Fletcher (Hibernian) 3m, Brian Easton (Hamilton) 350,000, Richard Eckersley (Manchester United) undisclosed, David Edgar (Newcastle) undisclosed, Tyrone Mears (Derby) undisclosed, Fernando Guerrero (Independiente del Valle) season-loan

Out: Alex MacDonald (Falkirk) six month-loan, Steve Jones (released), Gabor Kiraly (released), Alan Mahon (released)

Outlook: For the first time in 33 years, unglamourous Turf Moor will host the English game's rich and famous but Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest shouldn't expect a red carpet welcome.

Owen Coyle's team were the most romantic story of last season as they ended years in football's backwaters by clinching promotion via the Championship play-offs.

The Clarets, champions of England way back in 1960, have no intention of letting the fairytale end with that Wembley victory over Sheffield United however.

Wins over Chelsea, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham in cup competitions last term proved Burnley can compete with the best and Coyle is convinced they can emulate Stoke and Hull's survival.

Kovac signs for West Ham

West Ham have signed Radoslav Kovac on a permanent deal from Spartak Moscow following the Czech international's successful loan spell at Upton Park last season.

The 29-year-old impressed in his 10 appearances after joining the Hammers for the second half of last season.

The defensive midfielder has gotten his wish to return to Upton Park with Spartak confirming the transfer for an undisclosed fee, his agent Viktor Kolar confirmed on Monday.

Kovac has scored two goals in 30 matches for the national side. He competed in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Blues sign up O'Shea

Newly-promoted Birmingham City have captured Republic of Ireland Under-21 winger James O'Shea on a two-year contract from Galway United for an undisclosed fee the club said Monday.

The 20-year-old can play either in midfield or up front and Birmingham manager Alex McLeish told bcfc.com: "James is a quick young winger with good feet. We had him over to take a look at him last season but it was at a stage where we'd already taken on players on loan and we couldn't do a deal.

"He came back on the radar quite recently and he's a good young prospect we hope can be a future star.

"James is not for going into the team right now. We felt he was worth a wee shout because he didn't cost the earth but is hopefully one we can turn into a top player."

Real Madrid blanks DC United in friendly

Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid celebrates his goal in the second half of the friendly match against DC United at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. Real Madrid won 3-0.

Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain scored two goals to power Real Madrid past DC United in an international football friendly here on Sunday before a vocal crowd of 72,368 in hot and muggy conditions.

Higuain scored in the 57th and 59th minutes and Dutchman Arjen Robben completed the scoring in the 69th minute for the star-studded Spanish side in a romp over the Major League Soccer squad.

Real Madrid began a four-day North American tour on Friday with a 5-1 rout of another MLS club, Toronto FC.

Premier passion drives Gerrard

Steven Gerrard knows his place in Liverpool's hall of fame is already assured, but the Anfield captain won't feel satisfied until he has ended the club's 19-year wait to be crowned kings of England.

When legendary former Reds manager Bill Shankly described the league as Liverpool's "bread and butter" in the 1960s, he was emphasising the club's desire to be champions of England above all other prizes.

It seemed that philosophy had been consigned to the history books when Rafael Benitez arrived at Anfield in 2004.

In the Champions League, Benitez's tactical acumen and Gerrard's inspirational displays masterminded a victorious campaign in 2005 and a final appearance two years later.

But those heady nights of European success often left a nasty hangover on the return to more mundane matters in the Premier League.

Liverpool, who last won the title back in 1990, were unable to mount a serious challenge in the league for the first four seasons of Benitez's reign, but that changed last season.

The Reds finished just four points behind Manchester United and few at Anfield want anything this season other than to end their bitter rivals' three-year reign as champions.

The prospect of United passing Liverpool's record of 18 league titles by winning an unprecedented fourth successive title this season is too much for Kop regulars to contemplate and Gerrard, a Liverpudlian to the core, feels their pain.

Gerrard endured an unsettling close-season as he spent several weeks embroiled in a court case that eventually ended with the England star being found not guilty of affray after an incident in a Southport nightclub last season.

The 29-year-old's time in court meant he missed several of Liverpool's pre-season friendlies and, in the absence of their talismanic leader, the team's performances were lacklustre.

Those matches only served to emphasise that Gerrard's value to Benitez's team has never been greater since the Liverpool boss opted to play him in tandem with Spain striker Fernando Torres.

Whenever Gerrard was sidelined through injury last season, Liverpool's performances lacked energy and Torres was more easily subdued as mediocre opponents packed their defence and often escaped with a draw.

If Gerrard can stay fit and in form, his partnership with Torres will strike fear into defences across Europe. Coping with one of the duo is possible but tethering both is nigh on impossible.

United certainly couldn't do it at Old Trafford last season as Gerrard and Torres inspired a magnificent 4-1 victory.

That result more than any other has given Liverpool belief that this can be their year, with veteran defender Jamie Carragher quick to underline the importance of Gerrard's relationship with Torres.

"No other team in England has a partnership like Gerrard and Torres," Carragher said.

"It's strange to be talking about Stevie as a striker now, but that's what he's become, and in that position, just behind the main forward, there is no one better.

"In fact, there is no better strike pairing in the world than Gerrard and Torres. They can tear defences wide open in a split second.

"When you have that kind of ability in your team it gives you incredible belief. If we can keep them both free of injury then we are going to take some stopping.

"There were times last year when we went into games without them and it showed. If they stay fit and continue to improve then I think we will go very close."

Ancelotti impressed by resilient Chelsea

Chelsea's Italian Manager Carlo Ancelotti (left) watches a throw on by Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic during the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Chelsea won 4-1 in penalty shoot-out.

Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea's Community Shield victory over Manchester United proves his team have the mental strength to win the Premier League.

Ancelotti's side struck an early psychological blow in the battle to be English football's top dogs by ending United's two-year reign as Community Shield holders at Wembley on Sunday.

The FA Cup winners recovered from the disappointment of Wayne Rooney's stoppage time strike, which rescued a 2-2 draw, to win the penalty shoot-out 4-1.

Petr Cech saved from Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra, while all four Chelsea players converted their spot-kicks to give Ancelotti a trophy in his first serious match as Blues boss.

"It was an important start to the season because we have changed the way the team plays a bit. I'm very happy not only for this result but also for this past month," Ancelotti said.

"I now know the players, I like their mental attitude and I like the organisation of the club."

After falling behind to Nani's early strike, the Blues found it hard to control United for long periods of the first half.

But they were revitalised after a stern half-time talk from Ancelotti and equalised through Ricardo Carvalho.

Frank Lampard put Chelsea in front in controversial circumstances as Ancelotti's team played on while United appealed for the ball to be kicked out to allow treatment for Patrice Evra.

Manchester United's Patrice Evra (left) heads the ball under pressure from Chelsea's Michael Essien during the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in London. Chelsea won 4-1 on penalties.

United left-back Evra had been pole-axed by Michael Ballack's elbow but Didier Drogba slipped a pass to Lampard as United protested and the midfielder scored via a post.

Rooney levelled late on before Cech sealed Chelsea's first Community Shield triumph since 2005.

That victory four years ago was sandwiched between Chelsea's two Premier League titles. Ancelotti started with nine players from that Jose Mourinho era on Saturday and he is convinced such a battle-hardened group can regain the title this season.

"We're ready to start a very important season for us and we are ready to do our best. Now we have to continue to work and improve," Ancelotti said.

"We are now ready to start a very important season and want to do the best. This result is important because it proves our possibilities."

It was Ancelotti's impressive CV in the Champions League that persuaded Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to hire him from AC Milan, but success in the Premier League is long overdue as well and the Italian has no doubts that United will be their biggest rivals.

"United will be the most important opponent in the Premier League because they are a great team with great experience," Ancelotti added.

Chelsea, who host Hull in their league opener on Saturday, have been quiet in the transfer market, with only Russia midfielder Yuri Zhirkov, Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge and Ross Turnbull, Middlesbrough's reserve goalkeeper, arriving so far.

Ancelotti, who dismissed a report linking Chelsea with a 40 million pounds bid for AC Milan's Brazilian striker Pato, admitted no more signings are expected.

"It is not true because Pato is a Milan player," Ancelotti said. "He is a young player and Milan believe a lot in Pato. They sold Kaka and now Pato is an important player for them."

City play Tevez waiting game

Manchester City are sweating on the fitness of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, pictured in July 2009, ahead of the big-spending club's Premier League opener at Blackburn.

Manchester City are sweating on the fitness of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez ahead of the big-spending club's Premier League opener at Blackburn.

Tevez, plucked from Manchester United in the summer, has been struggling with a heel injury and has already been overlooked by Argentina coach Diego Maradona for the midweek friendly in Russia.

"I would like to think Carlos will play a part on Saturday although we will have to see how this week goes before we decide whether to start him or not," said City boss Mark Hughes.

Tevez played just 25 minutes of Saturday's 2-1 friendly win over Celtic, but Hughes was pleased with his new recruit's impact during his brief cameo.

"He has been a bit frustrated because he has not been able to put any weight on the heel for the vast majority of pre-season and has been chomping at the bit to play.

"But he looked really sharp when he came on. And the reaction he got from the crowd was fantastic.

"He is going to do great things for us. His energy gives the team a trigger and a focus for when we want to press and engage people. He is going to be really important."

Tevez said he was happy to be overlooked for international duty in Moscow.

"It was a decision taken by all of us," Tevez told www.mcfc.co.uk.

"It is important to be fit for Saturday and I have only managed two training sessions so far.

"I need to be able to train all next week so I can produce a really good performance on Saturday."

Fergie frets over Nani, Foster after Wembley defeat

Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United gestures to referee Chris Foy at the final whistle during the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in London. Chelsea and Manchester United launched the English season in explosive fashion as the Blues' 4-1 penalty shoot-out win in the Community Shield was marred by an ugly clash between Michael Ballack and Patrice Evra Sir Alex Ferguson faces an anxious wait to discover if Manchester United's Premier League title defence suffered an early blow during his side's Community Shield penalty shootout defeat to Chelsea. Ferguson had plenty to occupy his mind on the journey back to Manchester on Sunday as he contemplated an injury to Portugal winger Nani that could wreck his plans for life after Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. Nani had made a significant contribution to United's first half dominance at Wembley and it was perhaps no coincidence that his departure early in the second half with a dislocated shoulder was the prelude for Chelsea's best period of the game. After scoring the game's opening goal and tormenting Chelsea right-back Branislav Ivanovic to such an extent that Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti was forced to replace him with Jose Bosingwa at half-time, it seemed Nani was ready to claim the role as Ronaldo's successor. Instead he will have a scan on Monday to determine how long he will be out after leaving the pitch with his arm in a makeshift sling following John Terry's firm but fair challenge. Nani is certain to miss Portugal's friendly against Liechtenstein on Wednesday and United's home opener against Birmingham on Sunday. He may not make the trip to Burnley next week either, forcing Ferguson to rethink his tactics just when it seemed the post-Ronaldo era might not be so troublesome after all. "We could not put the shoulder back in, so that is the worrying part for us," Ferguson said. "He had done very well and we were very pleased with his performance." Nani's fitness isn't Ferguson's only concern as he gears up to go for a record fourth successive Premier League title. With goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar out for eight weeks after finger surgery, Ferguson could have done with a solid display from Ben Foster. Instead the England international produced an error-strewn performance, which included letting Frank Lampard's shot through his gloves for Chelsea's second goal and punching poorly for Ricardo Carvalho's opener. Ferguson admitted he must decide whether to stick with the youngster or select Tomasz Kuzsczak against Birmingham. "Knowing Ben and the ability which he has, he should have done better with the second goal," said Ferguson. "However, it was his first big challenge. "He has waited a long time, has had his injuries, and in pre-season I spread the load between the three 'keepers, and maybe we did not have enough minutes for him." Manchester United's Michael Owen (L) is challenged by Chelsea's Portuguese footballer Ricardo Carvalho during the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in London. Sir Alex Ferguson faces an anxious wait to discover if Manchester United's Premier League title defence suffered an early blow during his side's Community Shield penalty shootout defeat to Chelsea. That wasn't Ferguson's only complaint. He also claimed Chelsea substitute Michael Ballack should have been sent off for the elbow that sent Patrice Evra sprawling in the build-up to Lampard's goal. "If the referee sees it properly, it's a red card," Ferguson said. "He's elbowed him clearly. The referee's in line and had a clear view so Ballack's lucky. "But the referee (Chris Foy) made a rod for his own back. He'd stopped the game twice already so I can't understand why he wouldn't do it for Evra." At least Ferguson could take heart from the way Wayne Rooney strode through to score United's stoppage time equaliser. Now Ronaldo and Tevez are gone, Rooney is back in his favoured role as a central striker and he combined well enough with Dimitar Berbatov to suggest the pair could form a fruitful partnership. Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia, Ferguson's two main close-season recruits, came off the bench for the final 15 minutes to show that strength in depth won't be a problem at Old Trafford this season.

Bayern lose van Bommel for month

Bayern Munich's Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel runs with the ball during the German first division Bundesliga's football match TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs FC Bayern Munich in the southern German city of Sinsheim on August 8, 2009. Bayern Munich, who could only manage a draw at Hoffenheim, received a blow with the news skipper Mark van Bommel will miss up to a month with a broken toe.

Bayern Munich, who could only manage a draw at Hoffenheim in their opening Bundesliga match, received a blow Sunday with Dutch midfielder and skipper Mark van Bommel ruled out for a month with a broken toe.

Van Bommel will undergo surgery Monday, the club, desperate to go one better than last season's runners-up finish, said on their official website.

The 32-year-old left the action ten minutes before the end of Saturday's game which saw the Bavarians fortunate to escape with a point and he was left to rue his ill fortune.

"It's infuriating to get injured like this when I'd started the season so well," the veteran said.

Van Bommel now joins Argentine defender Martin Demichelis (ankle) and Italian striker Luca Toni (Achilles tendon) on the sidelines while Frenchman Franck Ribery is at least back in training following his problems with first blisters, then tendonitis.

Former Bayern coach Felix Magath, who last season led unfashionable Wolfsburg to the title, was able to celebrate a win with new club Schalke after German international Kevin Kuranyi struck twice to earn a 2-1 opening win at Nuremburg.

Despite the win, Magath was not happy with his side's showing.

"What we showed late on after the Nuremberg goal was not worthy of the Bundesliga," he raged after the hosts threatened to overhaul the deficit in the closing stages.

"I don't know if you were watching the game or playing cards during it," Magath sniped at a reporter afterwards who unwisely questioned his bad mood.

Magath's departure has not affected Wolfsburg, as the club from the home of Volkswagen began their title defence with an impressive 2-0 home win over Stuttgart on Friday, striking an early blow against a team tipped as potential successors to the crown.

Late goals from Bosnian playmaker Zvjezdan Misimovic - who extended his contract earlier this week - and Brazilian striker Grafite secured the points.

There was more misery for Stuttgart on Sunday as it emerged German international defender Christian Traesch will miss a month after fracturing his left wrist, the club said, adding he had had surgery Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hamburg, who missed out on the Champions League placings last term, could only manage a 1-1 in Sunday's trip to Freiburg while Bochum and Borussia Moenchengladbach shared a 3-3 draw in the day's other game, the latter squandering a three-goal lead.

In other weekend action, Werder Bremen, who have lost last season's star man Diego to Juventus, slid to a demoralising 3-2 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt while Bayer Leverkusen had to settle for a 2-2 draw at promoted Mainz.

Former European champions Borussia Dortmund needed an own goal to defeat Cologne 1-0.